A RESTORED plaque commemorating First World War soldiers who worked at the site of a 21st century high-tech manufacturing park was unveiled on Monday.

The memorial to the 76 men who worked at the former Newport Ironworks and died during the 1914-18 conflict will be installed at the Tees Advanced Manufacturing Park.

The plaque was formally presented to the families of the fallen soldiers by Middlesbrough Mayor Andy Preston, as well as four-year-old Leo Jennings, the great great great grandson of one of the 76, who had the honour of unveiling the plaque at the special ceremony.

Family members attended the event, and brought with them historical artefacts, including an official telegram permitting a worker to leave his day job to join the war effort.

Representatives from The Royal British Legion and the Yorkshire Regiment were also be in attendance.

Mayor Preston was joined by Middlesbrough Council Armed Forces Champion Councillor Ron Arundale.

Cllr Arundale said: "I think it's wonderful that they have been able to have their plaque restored. Better than that is that they were able to contact the relatives.

"In them days they didn't think twice, a lot of people nowadays wouldn't understand that. People have become so materialistic and in some degree selfish, it's just not the same world."

The team behind the development have worked alongside existing TeesAMP business TWI and historical consultants Heritage Unlocked to restore the plaque and promote its cultural and historic importance.

Dr Tosh Warwick, of Heritage Unlocked, said: “The TeesAMP development has provided a fantastic opportunity to further explore Middlesbrough’s industrial heritage.

“The plaque is a tangible link to the workers’ and the site’s historic contribution to the war effort.

“The area’s iron and steel industries helped to shape the world, and this restoration commemorates an important and poignant chapter in that rich history.”

Mayor Preston said: "It's beyond important to think about all the things we take for granted right now. People can live and look forward to a great future. These people made the ultimate sacrifice. We now have a prosperous and exciting future - something we take for granted."

The plaque previously was kept at Samuelsons Social Club which was shut down several years ago - it was then placed into storage before being restored.

Mary Lane, was one of the relatives who attended the event, her uncles Michael and John Doherty are named on the plaque.

Mary said: "It's very emotional but amazing to see. They died within three months of each other. I've seen the plaque before because of my age. It's definitely important to remember and have these kinds of events."

The plaque will be kept in the lobby area of the TWI building in the Riverside Park Industrial Estate.